Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs

We are in this together!!

The City of Framingham Parks & Recreation Department cares about your health and safety and is taking action to minimize exposure to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in our public spaces throughout the City.  We are following the safety recommendations as outlined in the State of Emergency declaration by Governor Charlie Baker, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, and the Local State of Emergency Order by Framingham Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer.. The safety recommendations have been proven to be successful in decreasing the spread of COVID-19. The more people follow the recommendations, the quicker we can return to "normal" activities.

With reductions in part time and seasonal staff, Park amenities will be slow to reopen. Specifically, we anticipate a delay in installation of rims/backboards, and swings at playgrounds. In addition, infields will be slow to reopen as a result in reduced staff continue to slow down our Department’s ability to reopen and perform routine maintenance. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.

Stay Safe and Be Well!

COVID19 UPDATES

COVID Closures, Cancellations, and Re-opening Guidelines
 

Mission

The purpose of the Framingham Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department is to create recreation opportunities, preserve open space, manage public athletic fields and parks, and administer recreation programs and facilities for the varied population of Framingham.

Recreational Programming

We provide over 300 formal programs geared towards Framingham’s diverse community. Services are provided through a combination of user fees and public tax dollars. Last year, we had just over 25,000 users in our formal programming.

Recreation program fees are established to cover the cost of each individual program (cost vary). For a list of our programs visit the Parks and Recreation website. 

All of our programs are available to Framingham residents. Non-residents may apply for certain programs for an additional fee. Obtain information about a program or to register. Please feel free to visit our office located at the Bowditch Field Athletic and Cultural Complex at 475 Union Avenue, Framingham, Ma. 

Parks, Athletic Fields & Recreation Facilities

Framingham Parks and & Recreation offers a wide variety of facilities for its residents and surrounding community including:

  • 3 public beaches
  • 8 Outdoor Basketball Courts 
  • 16 Outdoor Tennis Courts 
  • 25 Playgrounds
  • 64 Athletic Fields for a variety of sports, permit required for use.
  • A Football Stadium, permit required for use.
  • Running Track (standard 1/4 mile)
  • Cross Country Running Trail
  • Indoor Ice Skating Arena
  • Outdoor Skate Park
  • Many passive recreation areas

The department has hosted over 14,000 events/activities at their facilities this past year. To request a permit or more info on our facilities please contact our office directly at 508-532-5960 or Email Parks.recreation@framinghamma.gov.

Parks & Recreation Commission

Policies for all recreation programming and facilities are determined by the Framingham Parks and Recreation Commission, which consists of a 5-member board appointed by the Mayor.

Current Board Members are:

  • Joan Rastani (2021)
  • David Gudejko (2020)
  • Kathleen F. Hauck, Chair (2021)
  • Joe Kaufman (2020)
  • Bob Berman (2019)